Geeks & Gramps Program Welcomes New Program Director, Candace Johnson
DRMI is pleased to introduce the new Program Director for its premier Geeks & Gramps Program, Candace Johnson. Candace was the inspiration and visionary for DRMI to implement the Geeks & Gramps Program in late 2018, believing that the program would be fun and positive for youth and seniors in our community. In accepting the position, Candace stated, "It is a great honor to take this program to the next level alongside the team that has contributed to the success of the program thus far, and beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve." Candace has vast experience as a minority business owner and entrepreneur, has coordinated many community events, and is a committed volunteer with many organizations in the community. The DRMI board and staff are excited about working with such a dynamic, visionary entrepreneur and community servant. The Geeks & Gramps Program is supported by a grant from the Foundation of Aging, and a collaboration with the CEPRA Program of FAMU.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
DRMI's Geeks & Gramps (grandparents) Program provides FREE technology support and training for seniors facilitated by youth ages 8-18. The Geeks & Gramps Program has been awarded a $15,000 direct services grant from the Foundation for Aging. This grant allows DRMI to partner with the Center for Ethnic Psychological Research & Application (CEPRA) of the College of Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Gadsden Senior Center and other local senior and community centers. CEPRA/FAMU will assist DRMI in group comparison and research on social emotional outcomes, mental wellness outcomes and technology competency of participating older adults and youth before/after program interactions. The Corona Virus pandemic, social and political action, and economic downturn has many of us trying to figure out just what our "new normal" will look like. Some older adults lack the confidence to effectively use technology to stay connected. The Geeks & Gramps Program helps seniors feel more inclusive by sharing their own stories and mentoring youth through Senior Moments, and keeps older adults engaged in life-long learning, social inclusion, and cultivation of intergenerational relationships. Youth (Geeks) develop life skills, leadership and work-readiness skills and explore ageism and age stereotypes, learn how to embrace the differences and use the similarities to bridge the generation gap and ways to narrow it. Youth and Seniors are inspired to volunteer and understand the importance of community service and its positive impact on their community.
DRMI is actively recruiting:
* Older adults interested in serving as mentors for youth and sharing their knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) via virtual platforms called Senior Moments.
* Youth ages 8-18 interested in teaching older adults digital and internet integrity, and cyber/internet security.
To register, seniors or youth can click HERE or you can also register at VOLUNTEER MATCH
DRMI is pleased to introduce the new Program Director for its premier Geeks & Gramps Program, Candace Johnson. Candace was the inspiration and visionary for DRMI to implement the Geeks & Gramps Program in late 2018, believing that the program would be fun and positive for youth and seniors in our community. In accepting the position, Candace stated, "It is a great honor to take this program to the next level alongside the team that has contributed to the success of the program thus far, and beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve." Candace has vast experience as a minority business owner and entrepreneur, has coordinated many community events, and is a committed volunteer with many organizations in the community. The DRMI board and staff are excited about working with such a dynamic, visionary entrepreneur and community servant. The Geeks & Gramps Program is supported by a grant from the Foundation of Aging, and a collaboration with the CEPRA Program of FAMU.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
DRMI's Geeks & Gramps (grandparents) Program provides FREE technology support and training for seniors facilitated by youth ages 8-18. The Geeks & Gramps Program has been awarded a $15,000 direct services grant from the Foundation for Aging. This grant allows DRMI to partner with the Center for Ethnic Psychological Research & Application (CEPRA) of the College of Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Gadsden Senior Center and other local senior and community centers. CEPRA/FAMU will assist DRMI in group comparison and research on social emotional outcomes, mental wellness outcomes and technology competency of participating older adults and youth before/after program interactions. The Corona Virus pandemic, social and political action, and economic downturn has many of us trying to figure out just what our "new normal" will look like. Some older adults lack the confidence to effectively use technology to stay connected. The Geeks & Gramps Program helps seniors feel more inclusive by sharing their own stories and mentoring youth through Senior Moments, and keeps older adults engaged in life-long learning, social inclusion, and cultivation of intergenerational relationships. Youth (Geeks) develop life skills, leadership and work-readiness skills and explore ageism and age stereotypes, learn how to embrace the differences and use the similarities to bridge the generation gap and ways to narrow it. Youth and Seniors are inspired to volunteer and understand the importance of community service and its positive impact on their community.
DRMI is actively recruiting:
* Older adults interested in serving as mentors for youth and sharing their knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) via virtual platforms called Senior Moments.
* Youth ages 8-18 interested in teaching older adults digital and internet integrity, and cyber/internet security.
To register, seniors or youth can click HERE or you can also register at VOLUNTEER MATCH
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SUPPORTERS:
The Foundation for Aging visit: https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
The Awesome Foundation visit: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/tallahassee
ROSS STORES visit: Store Based Giving Guidelines - Ross Corporate Website - Ross Stores, Inc.
The Foundation for Aging visit: https://www.rrf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
The Awesome Foundation visit: https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/tallahassee
ROSS STORES visit: Store Based Giving Guidelines - Ross Corporate Website - Ross Stores, Inc.
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We are recruiting innovative seniors and tech savvy youth ages 8-18 for the Geeks & Gramps Program. For more information call Call 877-572-3399 ext 2 for details.
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The Geeks & Gramps Program provides an opportunity for social and intergenerational connectedness and engagement between seniors and youth 8-18. It helps to bridge generational gaps and bridges the digital divide by helping seniors to stay connected to family, friends, neighbors and community members. Youth learn life skills that can be used for a lifetime, and seniors feel more confident with technology. The Geeks & Gramps Program helps seniors have a stronger sense of purpose and well-being, and youth are transformed through volunteerism.
The Geeks & Gramps Program partners local youth 8-18 (Geeks) with seniors (Gramps=grandparents), to coach and learn from each other through technology. Youth participate in a comprehensive 2.5 hour workshop, learning about the various generations, effective communication skills, group dynamics, team building, presentation and life skills. Youth are then ready to go on site (or virtually) to senior centers, churches, community events, etc. to demonstrate their skills as SMEs (subject matter experts). Seniors have the opportunity to share their wisdom, knowledge, insights and skills on various topics, and mentor youth towards success through
Click HERE to view media coverage by WCTV of the Geeks & Gramps Program held at the Gadsden Senior Services Center in Quincy, FL on June 17, 2019 (we visited them again on January 3, 2020). We also thank the Gadsden Senior Services Center in Chattahoochee, FL which sponsored the program on July 29, 2019.
Special thanks to the awesome staff and seniors at both Gadsden Senior Centers. We are especially thankful for our youth who made these events a huge success, and the parents who trusted us with their children!
The Geeks & Gramps Program partners local youth 8-18 (Geeks) with seniors (Gramps=grandparents), to coach and learn from each other through technology. Youth participate in a comprehensive 2.5 hour workshop, learning about the various generations, effective communication skills, group dynamics, team building, presentation and life skills. Youth are then ready to go on site (or virtually) to senior centers, churches, community events, etc. to demonstrate their skills as SMEs (subject matter experts). Seniors have the opportunity to share their wisdom, knowledge, insights and skills on various topics, and mentor youth towards success through
Click HERE to view media coverage by WCTV of the Geeks & Gramps Program held at the Gadsden Senior Services Center in Quincy, FL on June 17, 2019 (we visited them again on January 3, 2020). We also thank the Gadsden Senior Services Center in Chattahoochee, FL which sponsored the program on July 29, 2019.
Special thanks to the awesome staff and seniors at both Gadsden Senior Centers. We are especially thankful for our youth who made these events a huge success, and the parents who trusted us with their children!
2021 Geeks & Gramps Goes Virtual
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In case you missed it live, visit DRMI's YouTube Channel
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eLueF6L4Fuc
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6TFOqOgynVk
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2020 Gadsden Senior Center in Quincy, FL
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Created by "Geek" Aaron Thomas, 2020
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2019
